The IGAD summit addressing the South Sudan crisis saw absent leaders Museveni, Ruto, and Abiy, represented by delegates instead. The meeting emphasized dialogue between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar, reaffirming the significance of the 2018 peace accord amidst rising violence and tensions. IGAD continues its crucial role in supporting peace efforts in the region.
The virtual 43rd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on South Sudan’s crisis was attended only by Somalia’s President, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy were notably absent, being represented instead by their respective delegates.
Dr. Abiy was represented by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Gideon Timothewos, while Kenya’s National Security Advisor, Dr. Monica Juma, represented President Ruto. President Museveni’s delegation included Defense Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth, and two State Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello and John Mulimba.
Both Museveni and Ruto have individually engaged with the conflicting factions in South Sudan regarding the worsening security situation. The summit urged South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar to pursue dialogue, emphasizing that discussions remain crucial for resolving issues.
The communiqué reaffirmed the significance of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 2018 as the foundation of the peace process. Additionally, it expressed alarm over escalating violence and violations of ceasefire commitments, stressing rising tensions in Juba and elsewhere following recent incidents.
IGAD continues to act as the guarantor of South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement, having previously overseen a similar agreement in 2015 that collapsed after a subsequent conflict. The renewed peace accord, established in 2018, aimed to restore stability among South Sudan’s warring factions.
The IGAD summit highlighted the urgent need for dialogue in resolving the South Sudan crisis, with significant figures like Museveni, Ruto, and Abiy represented by delegation but emphasizing active engagement with warring parties. The communiqué reiterated the importance of the 2018 peace agreement while expressing deep concern over the increasing violence and tensions in the region. IGAD’s role as a guarantor remains critical in fostering peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
